Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used medications to treat inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis, asthma, allergies, and adrenal insufficiency. These drugs are effective in reducing inflammation and managing symptoms, but they may come with hidden risks.
Scientists from the University of Oxford and other institutions have found that even short-term use of GCs at standard doses can impact how the body processes sugar, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes.
The study, presented at The Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference and led by Dr. Riccardo Pofi, sheds light on the metabolic effects of GCs.
High doses of these drugs taken over a long period are already known to cause serious side effects, such as weight gain, higher blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of diabetes and obesity.
However, there was little information about what happens when GCs are used at lower doses for shorter periods, which is more common in medical practice.
To explore this, researchers studied healthy men who were given commonly prescribed doses of prednisolone, a type of GC, for one week. The doses ranged from 10mg to 15mg per day. After the treatment, their general health markers, like fasting blood sugar levels and weight, appeared normal.
However, when researchers looked deeper, they found changes in specific markers related to blood sugar metabolism. These changes suggested that the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar was impaired, even though it wasn’t immediately visible through routine tests.
This finding is significant because it shows that even short-term use of GCs can have subtle but important effects on metabolism. Over time, these changes could add up, especially for patients who require repeated or prolonged treatment, increasing their risk of developing diabetes.
The study highlights the importance of carefully balancing the benefits and risks of GC treatment. While these drugs are crucial for managing many inflammatory conditions, doctors and patients should be aware of their potential to affect blood sugar levels, even at lower doses.
Regular monitoring of glucose metabolism might help identify early warning signs of diabetes in patients using GCs.
This research also opens the door for future studies to explore how to minimize the risks associated with GC use. For example, determining the lowest effective dose that can still provide relief from inflammation might help reduce the likelihood of metabolic side effects.
Additionally, understanding how different patients respond to GCs could lead to more personalized treatment plans.
For now, this study serves as a reminder that medications, even commonly used ones, can have unexpected effects on the body. Patients taking GCs should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider and stay informed about the potential risks and benefits of their treatment.
By taking steps to monitor and manage these risks, it may be possible to enjoy the benefits of GCs without facing long-term health challenges like diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
